Sofia's city centre stands upon the foundations of the original Roman settlement, Serdica, although the remains of this city are several metres below ground level.

The best starting point for a walking tour is ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, the city's main traffic hub. From here, a grid of streets radiate out towards the inner ring road, forming an irregular octagon around town. The main attractions are enclosed within this space and are all within walking distance of one another.

From ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, bulvard Maria Louiza runs north, to the city's sole surviving functioning mosque, Banya Bashi Mosque. Close by, the Central Baths, which are currently undergoing major refurbishment, the Central Food Halls and the Synagogue form a hub of early 20th-century monuments.

The boulevard proceeds through an area that becomes progressively less imposing as it nears the Central Station. Just off to the left lies the lively Women's Market.

Meanwhile, to the south lies bulvard Vitosha, with the peak of Mount Vitosha proudly rising in the distance. The monumental bulvard Tsar Osvoboditel, running east of ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, goes past the exquisite St Nicholas Russian Church to arrive at Alexander Nevski ploshtad, overlooked by Sofia's star attraction, St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, and the early Byzantine Church of St Sofia. Along this street are also the Ethnographic Museum, Archaeological Museum and National Art Gallery.

Since 2006, the dual pricing system on entry to museums and sights has been scrapped; foreign tourists now pay the same as locals.

Bulgarian State Agency for Tourism
Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya 1
Tel: (02) 933 5845/5811.
Website: www.bulgariatravel.org

The surprisingly little-known state-run tourist office is located bang in the city centre in a modern office. The staff has city maps, plus leaflets, information and booklets on tours, shopping and entertainment, including the invaluable booklet Sofia in your Pocket.

There are currently no tourist passes available in Sofia.